12 May 2013: St Albans to Lacey Green

Our destination today was up into the Chiltern HILLS.  Always slightly mixed feelings about these routes as the area includes the word hills in its name for a good reason - it will be very scenic, but it will involve some hard work.

Breezy picnic at Lacey Green

The Windmill

Setting off from St Albans, the first leg was straightforward enough, and we headed west towards Chesham.  This does mean crossing a couple of valleys, but after 16 or 17 miles we were soon taking our ease in the very pleasant Poppins Cafe in Chesham, a highly recommended stop for cyclists.  Then there was a climb out of Chesham to Hyde Heath and then down into Little Missenden, then up again through Beamond Woods to Holmer Green.  From here we soon reached the top of the Hughenden Valley (Disraeli's home is well worth a visit, but not this time), then a long climb up the steep valley to Speen.  There were some sharp bends and climbs further on before we got to the top at Lacey Green. 

The windmill was open and some ate sandwiches watching the sails going round before going in the pub with the rest.  From here a great long descent through the woods got us to Hampden Bottom, then a long steep lane through Cockshoots Wood to cross the A413 to The Lee.  Everyone fancied a change of tea stop to the one planned in Great Missenden, so we headed on to Cholesbury and from there to Chipperfield.  A quick cup of tea, then all headed for home.  A great spring day out in kinder weather than some we have been having.

Richard

12/05/2013